Massachusetts is also home to some of the most scenic beach fronts in the States. From the epic string of shoreline along Cape Cod and the Atlantic to interior freshwater lake beaches, here are the top 10 places to get away from it all for a day of fun in the sun in Massachusetts.
Top Beaches in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Beaches
Crane Beach
Crane Beach offers visitors a beautiful, backcountry-esque beach experience with an untouched sandy shoreline backed up by tall coastal grasses that sway gently in the breeze. It is surrounded by hiking trails, giving it a more rugged, serene atmosphere than some of the more popular boardwalk-lined beaches. Those who keep their feet dry can tour the on-site mansion or take a stroll through the gardens!
Things to do near Crane Beach
The town of Ipswich is relatively small but still full of fun things to see and do, including historical stops like the Hall-Haskell House and the John Whipple House. You’re also not far off at all from the Mass Audubon’s Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary.
Wingaersheek Beach
Wingaersheek Beach is an excellent destination for families. This is because children can spend endless hours picking through the rock pools that host fascinating ocean life while parents bask in the sunlight. On top of that, an on-site snack bar is available to keep everyone full and happy. Do be aware that this popular destination can be a difficult place to find parking at — so get there early for your best chances!
Things to do near Wingaersheek Beach
Although this port city has always had some claim to fame, Gloucester’s recognition skyrocketed in 1997, when Sebastian Junger published The Perfect Storm. Those fascinated by the disaster story can visit the Crow’s Nest for drinks and accommodations. There are plenty of other bars, restaurants, shops and attractions in town, too.
Singing Beach
Singing Beach is a unique musical phenomenon! During dry conditions, the sands of this unique beach rub against each other in a way that sounds a lot like music. It is incredible.
Whether or not you get to hear the unique song of this north shoreline’s sands, you’ll be treated to stunning views. On top of that, the building now set aside as the beach concession stand was originally a 1920s bathhouse, and still offers restrooms, showers, and changing areas. There are also designated picnic areas, a section set aside for sports, and a shady patch for those who want to keep from burning.
Things to do near Singing Beach
Tucked approximately equidistant from Salem and Gloucester, this beach is within easy reach for many. It’s also less than an hour from Boston.
Boston Harbor Island State Park Beaches
Boston Harbor is a place whose name has a lot of immediate recognition and connotations. We all remember the story of the Boston Tea Party. That said, this harbor is also home to a complex network of beachy islands and peninsulas. Park ferries can shuttle you from the city to places like Spectacle Island or the Boston Light — which is still functioning despite its 1783 construction date. Many of these islands feature soft sandy beaches that are untouched.
Things to do near the Boston Harbor Island State Park Beaches
Obviously, all of the many attractions and must-dos of Boston are just a short boat ride away from these unique beaches, including the New England Aquarium, the Paul Revere House, and so much more. Despite how urban it is, Boston is also surrounded by charming campgrounds.
Old Silver Beach
Old Silver Beach also deserves a place on the list. This western shoreline beach offers access to Buzzards Bay, which features considerably warmer waters than some of the other oceanside and even capeside beaches. A jetty splits the beach into two sections, one of which is reserved for locals and one of which is open to the public. The sands are soft and the wake is minimal, making this a great spot to head with the family.
Things to do near Old Silver Beach
The nearby town of Falmouth is small-ish but well appointed, offering everything you need to make your vacation comfortable and cozy. Looking for another view of this area’s natural habitat? Check out Beebe Woods, a historic forest that offers pet-friendly trails as well as two ponds to take a swim in.
Coast Guard Beach
Moving down into the Cape Cod boot, Coast Guard Beach is uniquely situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Nauset Bay, offering amazing views and beautiful sands. It’s also good to know that the waves here do get large and when conditions are right, the beach is a favorite among northeastern surfers. This beach is a popular spot for incredible sunsets, and the sunrises are pretty incredible, too, if you’re up early enough to catch them.
Things to do near Coast Guard Beach
The Cape Cod National Seashore Salt Pond Visitor Center is just minutes from this beach, giving visitors an overview of the unique flora, fauna, and history of this stunning natural landscape. The Nauset Lighthouse is another destination just a few minutes further north, which has been restored since its original 1838 opening date and is seasonally open for tours.
Head of the Meadow Beach
A beach whose scenery and ambiance matches its whimsical name, Head of the Meadow is located alongside the town of Turo. Known for its swaying seagrass, mystifying tide pools, pristinely white sands and rolling dunes, this beach is truly an iconic Massachusetts experience. Additionally, this beach allows surfing, though only outside of the zone set aside for swimmers, and when the tide is right, you can spot the remains of the ship Frances, which was wrecked in an 1872 storm. There’s also a two-mile bike path and plenty of opportunities to wander along the shoreline, as well as an adjacent camping area.
Things to do near Head of the Meadow Beach
The nearby Highlands Center at Cape Cod National Seashore is a former Air Force Station turned communal, interactive establishment of artists, scientists, and educators, which is open to the public for tours and certain experiences. Additionally, the Highland Lighthouse, built circa 1907, is just around the corner and a very Instagrammable attraction.
Horseneck Beach State Reservation
Horseneck Beach State Reservation offers a unique perspective on the place where Buzzards Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Part salt marsh and part barrier beach, this seafront is one of the most unique in the state of Massachusetts and is renowned by bird watchers for its population of willets, sandpipers, and plovers. Lifeguards keep watch over the moderate wake and bike trails and a concession stand are nearby.
Things to do near Horseneck Beach State Reservation
Closest to the 15,000-resident town of Westport, Horseneck Beach State Reservation is fairly remote, which is part of its charm. Our advice? Plan for lots of beach time and bird watching.
Lake Wyola State Park
As excellent as Massachusetts’ seaside beaches are, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to include an interior lake beach — and Lake Wyola State Park stands out from the crowd. It is this relatively small state park somewhat off the beaten path and therefore perhaps less crowded than other destinations. The park also offers a beautiful public beach whose soft sands and blue waters will make you feel like you’ve driven all the way to the coast.
Things to do near Lake Wyola State Park
A variety of nearby wildernesses, including the Montague State Forest and the Wendell State Forest, offer nigh-endless outdoor recreation opportunities.
The Best Massachusetts Beaches for RVers
Race Point Beach
An epic sandy swath along the northernmost section of Cape Cod’s boot, Race Point Beach is gorgeous. The wake is rowdy enough for surfers, but gentle enough close to the shoreline for wading. The golden sands are lined along the back with rolling dunes and seagrasses, and the beach also offers developed restrooms, showers, and changing areas to make for an easy and comfortable day in the sun.
Why This Beach is Perfect for RVers
One of the coolest things about Race Point Beach is the fact that self-contained camping vehicles such as camper vans and class B RVs are allowed to dry camp on the sand. This is an amazing experience, and one we definitely recommend. Just make sure you go in prepared.
Things to do near Race Point Beach
Provincetown is nearby and is well known as a quaint but well-equipped tourist destination, with a thriving nightlife and a noteworthy queer community. The 1816 Race Point Lighthouse is also worth a stop, especially since it’s still an active navigational aid.
Planning an RV Trip to Massachusetts
During your time in the state, be sure to visit the best Massachusetts state parks. You’ll also want to book stay in the best campgrounds in the area and make time to see the cities of Boston and Cambridge.
